What Are Some of the Best Hikes in South America?
With its 12 countries, South America offers plenty of hiking opportunities and sights to see. It's home to the Amazon, the world's largest rainforest, and the Andes, the longest mountain range on Earth.
Hikers flock to South America for its incredible diversity. You can trek through steamy jungles, climb snow-capped volcanoes, and wander across otherworldly salt flats. But what are some of the best hikes in this part of the world?
At Skyhook, we offer some of the best hiking adventures. In this blog, we'll explore the best hikes in South America, handpicked to inspire your next great adventure.
Let's go!
Multi-Day Treks
The best multi-day treks in South America offer a chance to fully experience the continent's diverse landscapes.
Whether you're crossing high mountain passes, delving into dense rainforests, or tracing the footsteps of ancient civilisations, these treks promise the adventure of a lifetime:
1. Aconcagua, Argentina
Duration: 20 days
Difficulty: Challenging
Heard of the Seven Summits of the World? They're basically the highest points in each continent. In South America, the summit of Aconcagua in Argentina.
At Skyhook, we take you to the summit of Aconcagua in 20 days.
The Aconcagua Normal route trip takes you through varied landscapes, from the sprawling beauty of the Horcones Valley with its dramatic vistas to the intense ascent up the Canaleta, a steep couloir just below the summit.
The Aconcagua difficulty demands acute mountain acumen to navigate risks like rapid weather changes and altitude sickness.
Along the way, the rewards are immense: panoramic views of the Andes, encounters with unique high-altitude wildlife, and the profound sense of accomplishment that comes with reaching the summit of the Western Hemisphere's highest peak!
2. The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, Peru
Duration: 5 to 8 days
Difficulty: Challenging
While the classic Inca Trail may be more famous in Peru, the Salkantay Trek offers a less crowded and equally spectacular route to the ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu.
This challenging 8-day trek takes you through diverse landscapes, from high Andean passes to lush cloud forests.
The highlight of the trek is crossing the Salkantay Pass (4,630m), where you'll enjoy breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and glaciers.
The trek culminates with a visit to Machu Picchu - a fitting reward for your efforts.
If you're looking for an even more immersive experience, Skyhook offers Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu (8 Days).
Our Salkantay Trail To Machu Picchu (5 Days) also takes you to explore the dense rainforest and spectacular mountain terrain, starting from the old colonial city of Cusco and leading you to the breathtaking Inca ruins at Machu Picchu.
3. Torres del Paine W Trek, Chile
Duration: 4-5 days
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
The W Trek in Chile is arguably the most famous Patagonia hike, and for good reason. The Torres del Paine hike takes you through some of the most stunning scenery in South America, including glaciers, turquoise lakes, and the park's signature granite towers.
The Chile trek is named for its W-shaped route, which covers about 80 km (50 miles) through the heart of the park. Highlights include the challenging hike to the base of the Torres (towers) base, the breathtaking French Valley, and the massive Grey Glacier.
While the trail can get busy during peak season (December to February), the awe-inspiring landscapes more than make up for the crowds. Just be prepared for Patagonia's notoriously changeable weather!
If you're considering this trek, Skyhook offers two fantastic options:
Torres del Paine Guided W Trek (5 days): Experience the beauty of Torres del Paine with a guided 5-day camping "W" Circuit.
Torres del Paine W Trek Self-Guided (5 days): Prefer to explore at your own pace? Our self-guided 5-day "W" Circuit allows you to discover the park's stunning scenery on your schedule, with all the logistics taken care of.
4. Huayhuash Circuit, Peru
Duration: 8-12 days
Difficulty: Challenging
One of the world's greatest treks, among the best hikes in Peru, and one of the best multi-day hikes in the world, the Huayhuash Circuit in the Cordillera Huayhuash is a challenging but rewarding adventure for experienced hikers.
It's a 130 km (81 miles) loop through some of the best mountain scenery in the Andes.
You'll cross multiple high passes, with the highest reaching 5,100m (16,700 ft) and love the views of snow-capped peaks, turquoise glacial lakes, and remote Andean villages.
However, be prepared for harsh hiking conditions and extreme weather, but the sense of accomplishment (and the hot springs along the way) make it all worthwhile.
Altitude sickness is also a real concern on this trek. Ensure that you acclimatise appropriately and consider hiring a local guide or joining an organised tour for safety.
5. Lost City Trek, Colombia
Duration: 4-5 days
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Step back in time and channel your inner explorer on the trek to Colombia's Ciudad Perdida (Lost City). This ancient city, built around 800 CE by the Tairona civilisation, predates Machu Picchu by about 650 years.
The trek takes you deep into the lush Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains through steamy jungles and rivers. You'll climb over 1,200 stone steps to reach the city, where terraced platforms offer panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
Quick Tip: Bring plenty of insect repellent and quick-dry clothing. The humidity in the jungle is no joke!
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6. Fitz Roy Trek, Argentina
Duration: 2-3 days (can be done as a long day hike)
Difficulty: Moderate
The trek to Mount Fitz Roy is a Patagonian classic located in Argentina's Los Glaciares National Park. The jagged peak of Fitz Roy, also known as Cerro Chaltén, is one of the most photographed mountains in the world, and for good reason.
The main trail leads to Laguna de los Tres, a pristine glacial lake at the base of Fitz Roy. The final ascent to the laguna is steep, but the view of Fitz Roy reflected in the lake's crystal-clear waters is worth every step.
While it's possible to do this as a long day hike from the town of El Chaltén, spreading it over 2-3 days allows you to fully appreciate the mountain's changing moods and increases your chances of clear weather.
Photo tip: The mountain is most spectacular at sunrise, when the first rays of light paint the granite spires a deep orange. It's worth the early wake-up call!
Best Day Hikes in South America
If you're just starting with hiking or are looking for shorter treks, these day hikes in South America are perfect for you:
7. Perito Moreno Glacier Trek, Argentina
Duration: 1 day (mini-trekking option: 1.5 hours on ice, big ice option: 3.5 hours on ice)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Walking on a glacier is a unique experience, and the Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina's Los Glaciares National Park offers one of the best opportunities to do so in South America.
After a short boat ride across Lago Argentino, you'll strap on crampons and set out onto the ice.
Guided by experienced local experts, you'll explore the glacier's surreal landscape of deep blue crevasses, ice caves, and glacial streams.
The "big ice" option gives you more time on the glacier and takes you further from the edge, where the ice formations are even more spectacular.
Whichever option you choose, you're in for an unforgettable adventure.
8. Cotopaxi Volcano Hike, Ecuador
Duration: 1 day (summit attempts usually start around midnight)
Difficulty: Challenging
Standing at 5,897m (19,347 ft), Cotopaxi in Ecuador is one of the world's highest active volcanoes and a popular challenge for hikers and mountaineers.
While reaching the summit requires technical climbing skills and specialised equipment, hiking to the refuge at 4,800m (15,700 ft) is achievable for fit trekkers.
The hike passes through páramo ecosystems and volcanic landscapes before reaching the snowline. From the refuge, you'll have spectacular views of the perfectly conical volcano and surrounding Andean peaks.
If you have mountaineering experience (or climbing as part of a guided group), continuing to the summit offers the thrill of climbing a high-altitude peak and, on a clear day, views extending to other volcanoes in Ecuador's "Avenue of Volcanoes."
9. Tayrona National Park Coastal Trek, Colombia
Duration: 1 day (multiple day hikes possible)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Tayrona National Park, located on Colombia's Caribbean coast, offers a unique combination of lush jungle and pristine beaches.
The coastal trek from the park entrance to Cabo San Juan is a popular day hike that showcases the best of the park's diverse ecosystems.
The trail winds through tropical forests, where you might spot monkeys, colourful birds, and even the occasional sloth.
As you emerge onto the coast, you'll be treated to views of secluded beaches nestled between rocky headlands and backed by jungle-covered mountains.
The hike ends at Cabo San Juan, where you can cool off with a swim in the Caribbean.
If you have more time, consider staying overnight in one of the park's eco-lodges or campsites to immerse yourself fully in this natural paradise.
10. Laguna 69 Trek, Peru
Duration: 1 day (6-8 hours round trip)
Difficulty: Challenging
Located in Peru's Cordillera Blanca, the trek to Laguna 69 is a challenging but rewarding day hike that takes you to one of the most beautiful alpine lakes (or the 69th lake/lagoon in the Huascarán National Park) in the Andes.
The turquoise lake waters, set against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks, make for an unforgettable sight.
One of the best alternatives to any Machu Picchu hike, this trail starts at about 3,900m (12,800 ft) and climbs to 4,600m (15,100 ft) at the lake.
You'll pass through scenic valleys and cross streams and enjoy views of surrounding peaks, including the imposing Chacraraju (6,112m).
The high altitude makes this hike particularly challenging, but the jaw-dropping scenery is worth the effort. Just make sure to acclimatise and hydrate properly!
11. El Chaltén Day Hikes, Argentina
Duration: Various (from 2 hours to full day)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
The small town of El Chaltén in Argentina's Patagonia region is known as Argentina's "Trekking Capital." It offers access to a network of well-maintained trails suitable for various fitness levels, all with minimal planning required.
Some Argentina hikes here include:
Laguna Torre: A scenic trek to a glacial lake with views of the needle-like Cerro Torre.
Mirador Los Cóndores: A short but steep hike offering panoramic views of El Chaltén and the surrounding mountains.
Laguna Capri: An easier alternative to Laguna de los Tres, with beautiful views of Mount Fitz Roy.
The beauty of hiking from El Chaltén is the flexibility - you can choose your adventure based on the weather, energy levels, and interests.
Wrapping Up
South America's trails are packed with adventure and ready to show you their best. With epic multi-day treks, breathtaking day hikes, and everything in between, there's a perfect path for every kind of explorer.
So, book a trip with Skyhook, grab your gear, choose your trail, and prepare to make unforgettable memories!
